Abstract:

The confessions of the fourth century bishop of Hippo, Aurelius Augustinus, is one of his most beloved and read works. The entire book can be seen as an evolving prayer in which Augustine's "confessio" constitutes the golden thread. The crucial role of "confessio" in daily life motivated Augustine to a reflection on his view of life and the world which illumines his autobiography. The reciprocal interaction of his view of life and the world on the one hand, and philosophy on the other presents interesting solutions to important philosophical, philological, and even theological problem areas. Though Augustine utilizes a one-directional causal theory whereby creation as such owes its being to God, he emphasizes creation's outreach to God, especially the prerogative of man to confess and to praise God. Augustine's confessions has a timeless dimension and is relevant even in the contemporary intellectual world as a classic view of everyman.